Prepare For, live through, and Survive a WILDFIRE

Critical information for preparing for and surviving wildfires, noting that the U.S. experiences over 73,000 wildfires annually, causing significant damage and loss of life. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures such as knowing local alert systems, creating evacuation plans, and maintaining defensible space around homes. Additionally, it provides steps to take during evacuation and offers practical tips on securing property and personal safety.

1. PREPARE FOR AND SURVIVE A WILDFIRE

2. The United States averages over 73,000 wildfires every year. They cause 2 billion dollars worth of damage annually. Over 7 million acres are burned annually. They kill over 340,000 people worldwide each year. Wildfire Impact

3. A wildfire is an unplanned, unwanted fire. They can be caused naturally, usually by lightning. However, most are human-initiated, either by campfires, cigarettes, broken power lines, outdoor burning that gets out of control or arson. What is a Wildfire?

4. They can occur any time throughout the year. The potential is greatest during periods of drought. High winds make a wildfire very dangerous and unpredictable. They can move very fast! When is a Wildfire threat the greatest?

5. Make sure you know what your local wildfire alert system is. Normally, alerts are broadcast to all cell phones within range. However, because wildfires are unpredictable and can shift quickly depending on winds, be proactive in tracking any wildfire. Here is a page that collects several maps that indicate threat levels: https://www.esri.com/en-us/disaster-response/disasters/wildfires

6. They kill humans and animals They destroy buildings and structures They destroy far from the actual fire— embers can be blown by the wind and set fire to structures over a mile away Smoke can kill and cause health issues, even many, many miles away Wildfires affect the land for years after with lost vegetation and the subsequent greater threat of flood and landslides Wildfire Impact

7. A fast-moving wildfire has a wall of heat in front of it that you cannot see. But you will feel it. It will spontaneously combust flammable material even when there is no visible flame. The larger the fire, the more it makes its own wind.

8. Keep your roof and gutter free of leaves. Store firewood at least thirty feet away from structures (do not pile up on an outside wall). Outdoor furniture should be made of noncombustible material. Clear the area around your house of combustible material, such as leaves, bark, pine needles, and underbrush. The optimum clear area is 100 feet. Wildfire Preparation Your Home

9. If constructing in a wildfire area, carefully choose fire-proof materials not only for the building, but also gates, fences, landscaping, etc. Wildfire Preparation

10. Know your evacuation routes. Plan your transportation. If you need to share, make preparations now. Realize public transportation is likely to be disrupted. Find out what your community has planned in case of evacuation. Have a pre-planned place to stay if evacuated. Have your IRP (Immediate Rally Point), ERP (Emergency Rally Point) and out of area contact ready and everyone updated on them. (explained in Area Study Workbook and Survival Guide )

11. There are Wildfire APPs for both Android and Apple. There are more apps for emergencies and disasters on my Free Apps slideshare. Link is at the end. Wildfire APPs

12. Know how to use fire extinguishers, evacuate your house, etc. as you would in normal fire preparation. More on that in my presentation on FIRE, link at the end.

13. Use caution any time you start a fire. Do not use welders or equipment that sparks on dry, windy days. Do not park in tall, dry grass or piles of leaves; the heat from your exhaust system could ignite them. Keep propane and gas away from structures.

14. Be ready to evacuate. Besides your Grab-n-Go bag (link at end) here are special considerations and advice from those who’ve been affected by wildfires. -fuel your car and keep it topped off, even if you think you are not under direct threat. -make a video of everything in your house and store it in the cloud or elsewhere for insurance purposes. If you have an irrigation system, turn it on and leave it running— this saved several houses in the wildfire that hit Boulder, Colorado.

15. Pack enough supplies (Grab-n-Go) but water is the most critical! If evacuated, call your insurance company ASAP so they can start a claim #. Keep receipts of everything you buy while evacuated.

16. Have a secure, water and fireproof lockbox always packed and ready to be grabbed. Also, uploading the information into the cloud gives you a backup.

17. Right now, think about what you will need/want to save. List those things to pack if you have time by location (usually by room). Prioritize both inside the room and overall. Have the list handy. Thus, when you get the notice to evacuate and have time, you can gather the items in an orderly manner. Large plastic bins are very useful for this; if you can fit them in or on your vehicle.

18. Key things to pack: Drivers license/photo ID/Passport Social Security Card Bank and credit cards Health insurance card Roadside assistance card Cash Extra fuel WATER

19. Key things to have packed and ready to go: Phone charger Deed for house Insurance paperwork Prescriptions First aid kit ( a complete list is in Survival Guide)

20. Leave as soon as you get notice. You cannot defeat a wildfire. People are more important than a house or objects. Leave gates open for firefighters and others. Drive with headlights on. Turn on any irrigation system. If it’s smoky close all windows and set recirculate. Wildfire Evacuating

21. If trapped in your car, park in an area clear of vegetation— parking lot, gravel area, dirt. Close all windows and vents. Cover yourself with a blanket or coat and lie on the floor. Car tires may burst from heat. Wildfire Evacuating

22. If trapped in your house: Use irrigation or a hose or sprinkler to wet the yard. Wet the roof. Turn off all propane and gas. Close all windows and doors and fireplace flues. Move fabric furniture away from large windows or glass doors. Turn off everything that circulates air in the house. Close all interior doors.

23. Turn on all lights to make the house more visible from the outside for rescuers. Disconnect automatic garage door openers so you can open by hand if you lose power. If you have a pool, put outdoor furniture in it. Fill everything possible with water (tubs, sinks, etc)

24. Wildfires are one of the most frightening and dangerous natural disasters. Being prepared can bring peace of mind. And save your life! Wildfire

25. More Free Information I’ve put all the links to free apps, all gear mentioned and web pages on my web site at www.bobmayer.com Go to the GEAR page There are also free books on my web site, updated daily.

26. New York Times bestselling author, a graduate of West Point and former Green Beret. He commanded a Green Beret A-Team and also served in a variety of other positions. He was a certified instructor at the JFK Special Warfare Center & School which trains Green Berets and also runs the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school. www.bobmayer.com